Tune the Strings

Mandolin Tuner

Tune your mandolin with your microphone or by ear. A mandolin is tuned G D A E, like a violin, with each note on a pair of strings.

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Press Start and allow the microphone. Audio stays on your device.

Mandolin string notes

Standard (G D A E)
NoteFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
G3196.00 Hz
D4293.66 Hz
A4440.00 Hz
E5659.26 Hz

Listed in the same order as the string buttons in the tuner.

How to tune a mandolin with this tuner

  1. Press Start tuner and allow microphone access.
  2. Pluck one string of a pair at a time (mute its partner with a finger) and tune it to the note.
  3. Tune the second string of the pair the same way, then play both together: if you hear a slow wobble, nudge one until it disappears.
  4. Repeat for all four courses, then recheck.

Mandolin tuning tips

Paired strings

Each course has two strings tuned in unison. Tuning them individually is far easier than tuning both at once.

Floating bridge

Most mandolin bridges are held in place only by string tension; tune gradually and check the bridge stays put.

Tune by ear with reference notes

No microphone? Press any string button above to play its note for three seconds, then adjust the string until the two sounds stop "beating" (wobbling) against each other. Headphones or decent speakers make low notes much easier to hear.

FAQ

What are the notes of a mandolin?

G3 (196 Hz), D4 (293.66 Hz), A4 (440 Hz) and E5 (659.26 Hz) — the same as a violin, with each note doubled.

Other tuners